Last updated 1 day 19 hours ago
With the basic van getting repeated facelifts and added equipment in recent years, the Suzuki APV reminds us that there are still affordable options out there. The Suzuki APV is nothing if not pragmatic. Though moderately sized, its design allows for plenty of storage space – the ‘barebones’ interior aimed at getting a job done without fuss.
What to Expect
At a tick over four metres long and 1.5 metres wide, the diminutive van caters for swift delivery and pick up from even the most cramped loading bays. The only drawback here is that the side doors are hinged, rather than sliding.
A fuel efficient 1.6L four cylinder petrol engine also provides the necessary grunt in order to transport heavy cargo and has a stated fuel economy of 8.9L/100km.
Perhaps best categorised as a light-duty lugger, the Suzuki APV is best suited for city couriers, handymen, gardeners or small business owners for whom highway travel is occasionally required. The hauling capacity is approximated at 600kg (over 800kg including passengers).
Safety
In terms of safety, it falls down somewhat. Though it includes three-point inertia reel seatbelts and dual front airbags, it does not offer ABS brakes, stability control, traction control, cruise control, side or curtain airbags.
It’s not all doom and gloom as the APV wins back a few points on drivability. It is simple to drive and ably negotiates small spaces with a hydraulically assisted rack and light steering.
Auto Part in Caloundra
For more details about new and used cars and auto parts in Caloundra for Suzuki and other brands, contact Caloundra City Autos on (07) 5353 5494.
Last updated 2 days 4 hours ago
Honda has just brought out its latest incarnation of the Jazz Hybrid model, thrifty enough to earn it the tag of Australia’s cheapest hybrid.
Pricing for the Honda Jazz Hybrid now starts at $22,990 plus on road costs, strategically sneaking in $1000 underneath the existing benchmark for the category, Toyota’s Prius C.
Sly pricing aside, however, the Jazz Hybrid does back up its cheek with some substance.
Under the bonnet, the Honda Jazz Hybrid houses a 1.3L petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor, giving the car 72kW and 167Nm. It utilises a CVT automatic transmission and average fuel consumption is listed at an impressive 4.5L/100km in the city.
Helping to achieve this level of fuel efficiency are engine stop-start function, economy mode, Honda’s Eco Assist green-driving coaching system and an eight year unlimited kilometre battery warranty.
Standard features for the Honda Jazz Hybrid include USB input, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel embedded audio controls.
The points of difference between the Hybrid and its petrol-based Honda siblings are a specialised bumper, unique headlights and grille, tinted rear glass, tail lights and alloy wheels.
In the safety department it also features six airbags (dual front, front-side and full-length curtain) as well as stability control. While the existing Jazz petrol model boasts a five star ANCAP safety rating, the hybrid edition as yet has not been tested.
The release of the Honda Jazz Hybrid makes it the fourth member of the Honda range with petrol-electric power, joining the likes of the CR-Z Coupe, Insight Hatchback and Civic Hybrid.
To find out more about new Honda vehicles in Brisbane, contact Caloundra City Autos on (07) 5353 5494.
Last updated 8 days ago
Thinking about heading to the Sunshine Coast for some quality family time, or perhaps to unwind on your own? Here are some highlights to consider, whatever your taste.
Sunshine Beach
You can’t conceivably go to the Sunshine Coast and not enjoy the incredible coastline, and as far as beaches go, it’s hard to go past Sunshine Beach. Formerly known as Golden Beach, this spot is renowned for its sand, surf and the ambience of surrounding boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Mapleton
Located right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the scenic drive from Maleny to Mapleton is one of the real treats offered up by the region. Arts and crafts galleries are dotted all throughout the district as well as several potteries, antique shops and museums.
Kawana
Kawana is a small urban hub between Caloundra and Maroochydore. Bounded by the Mooloolah River to the north, it houses several shopping and sporting facilities for those looking for brief respite from the surf.
Bli Bli
If the Queensland weather dares to stray from its brief of ‘beautiful one day, perfect the next’, you can always plan a family outing to the famed Sunshine Castle in Bli Bli, a couple of kilometres inland from Maroochydore.
Alexandra Headland
Alexandra Headland is a great spot for a picnic with the family, is home to the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club and the shortest beach in the Maroochy district, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Car Servicing in Brisbane
Caloundra City Autos sells new and used cars from Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and other major manufacturers, as well as offering car servicing and auto parts in Caloundra. Phone (07) 5353 5494 to speak to their experienced car dealers about all types of services and finance options.
Last updated 10 days ago
The Mitsubishi ASX (Active Sports Crossover) can be classed as either a compact SUV or crossover, depending on the mechanical specifications. Either way, it’s an impressive motor vehicle that pucks a punch in terms of speed and style.
New Tweaks
The attractive ASX places itself in the small SUV segment, incidentally the fastest growing area of the Australian market. Its new aesthetic is thanks to a 2012 facelift, including new front and rear bumpers, alterations to the fog light surrounds and revision of the Mitsubishi dubbed ‘jet-fighter grille’.
Price and Power
In an attempt to get a jump on its competitors, Mitsubishi has increased the level of equipment and whittled down the pricing. The ASX model range starts with the 2.0 litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon from $25,990, right up to the ASX Aspire 1.8 litre turbo-diesel 4WD five-door wagon (try saying that five times quickly) from $34,990.
Safety Features
Safety features across the range include ABS brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, as well as front, side and driver’s knee airbags. Automatic lights and wipers round off a vehicle that is very well-equipped in the safety department.
Style
In terms of design, while the panoramic glass roof may not be the most welcome addition in the searing heat of a summer day, it definitely proves its worth in the evening.
Though the dash layout may benefit from one or two changes, the reverse camera display on the screen and reference markings are top quality, making reverse parking a cinch.
All up, the Mitsubishi ASX combines style and practicality in an affordable package. Its surprisingly spacious interior and versatility mean you can venture out into the great Australian outdoors in relative comfort.
New and Used Cars in Caloundra
To find out more about new and used cars from the Mitsubishi range, contact Caloundra City Autos on (07) 5353 5494.
Last updated 15 days ago
On paper, there isn’t a lot to separate the Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V. Both priced at $38,990 with 2.4L four cylinder engines, it takes a little more investigation to decide which vehicle comes out on top.
Value
In terms of value, they match each other for some features like rear parking sensors and reversing camera, but the Honda CR-V edges it with 17 inch alloys (compared to the 16 for the Mitsubishi), automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and sat-nav. The Mitsubishi does, however, offer seven seats as standard to the Honda’s five.
Comfort
As far as interiors go, the Mitsubishi looks better than its predecessor. The Honda, though, still trumps it for storage and functionality despite the clumsy foot-operated park brake and hard plastic finishes.
From a family perspective, again the Mitsubishi’s seven-seater advantage is undermined by the fact the curtain airbags don’t extend as far as the third row. The Honda utilises the extra room for greater comfort and a more versatile boot space.
Under the Bonnet
The Mitsubishi engine is adequate but, perhaps counter-intuitively given its extra seating, might struggle when carting around a full load of people, lacking the necessary low-rev grunt. It does boast impressive fuel consumption for its size though.
The Honda lacks similar low-gear thrust with the engine relatively loud in the cabin and poor fuel economy, giving the Mitsubishi a win in the engine category.
Drivability is where the Honda really comes into its own in this contest. Handling is impressive with light, direct steering providing consistent feel. The Mitsubishi, meanwhile, is a little sloppy despite its all-wheel-drive powertrain.
Car Servicing in Caloundra
To find out more about both Mitsubishi and Honda vehicles, contact Caloundra City Autos on (07) 5353 5494.
